Top > Sport > 2007 > January > 2007-01-05

Celtics salvage a win on road trip

The Boston Celtics` schedule summoned them a difficult week, touring the Western Conference to play five games over seven days. Then, losing Paul Pierce who has missed all four games due to a foot injury, the trip seemed all the more difficult. The Celtics lost the first four games, extending their losing streak to six straight, until pulling off in the fourth quarter to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 89-81 at the Rose Garden.

With the score tied at 70, the Celtics defense stepped up and they were able to break out with an 11-2 run. Tony Allen, who finished the game with 22 points and 8 rebounds, capped the run with a 3-pointer from the corner. Others on the Celtics team that helped bring the wished-for win were Ryan Gomes (18 pounds, 10 rebounds) whose late game denial of Zack Randolph was called by coach doc rivers "phenomenal," Al Jefferson (14 points and 11 rebounds) and Wally Szczerbiak with a late dunk to seal the victory.

"I felt as a team we are starting to adjust to playing without Paul, though it`s not anything you want to get used to," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. Although a mere 11-19 so far this season, Coach Rivers cannot say enough how much he appreciates the effort his players put into the games, especially with the injuries and fatigue the team is experiencing.